More than 1,200 First Glasgow drivers vote to strike in a pay row

More than 1,200 bus drivers with First Bus have voted to begin strike action from Black Friday. Unite says 99 per cent backed taking action on a 77% turnout. It’s set to begin at 4am on Friday 24 November, continuing until Friday 1 December when the action concludes at 3.59am.

Drivers with the union previously rejected a pay offer also by 99 per cent, arguing that it fell significantly below the pay levels of other drivers across First Group’s UK operations.

The drivers are based in the following bus depots: Blantyre, Caledonia, Dumbarton, Overtown and Scotstoun.

There is a similar dispute at both companies (First Glasgow No.1 and No.2) involving around 150 Unite engineers where strike action is scheduled to take place on 16 and 17 November.

Sharon Graham Unite general secretary said: "This is a very wealthy company which has plenty of money in the bank to make a better offer to our members. Our members' demand is simple they want to be paid in line with other drivers across First Group.”

“We will support our First Bus drivers all the way in their fight for better jobs, pay and conditions.”

Graham McNab, Unite industrial officer, added: “The dispute at First Bus is down to our drivers being underpaid and undervalued for a number of years. First Bus has millions sitting in the bank and its operations across Greater Glasgow recorded profits of £4.3 million last year.

“Unless First Bus moves quickly to improve their pay offer then our members will bring bus operations to a stop for a week beginning on 24 November. The ball is now firmly in First Bus’ court whether they want to escalate this dispute or resolve it in a speedy fashion.”

A spokesperson from First Bus said: " We can confirm we have been notified by Unite of their member’s intention to hold industrial action from 24th November to 1st December inclusive. This is despite us making an offer which would see a pay rise of over 11%, well above the rate of inflation.

“In recent years, First Glasgow has heavily invested in electrifying its fleet as well as making significant pay awards. The investment has exceeded any profit made and has ensured we have a far more sustainable business for the future.

“At First Bus, we look after our people and pay them a fair wage relative to the role they perform in the business. We have invested heavily in improving working conditions and enhanced benefits for our colleagues.

“We will be looking to continue discussions with union representatives in an attempt to reach a resolution.”

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